Shawangunk Ridge Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Thomas Habr on Unsplash

Shawangunk Ridge Trail

~5 days · 64.9 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance64.9 mi
Days out5
Elevation gain9,724 ft
Gain / mile150 ft
High point2,257 ft
Difficulty index32/100

What the Shawangunk Ridge Trail is known for

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail runs the length of the Shawangunks from High Point State Park, New Jersey — where it leaves the Appalachian Trail — to Rosendale, New York, about 70 miles over pine-barrens ridges, sky lakes, and white conglomerate cliffs. Point-to-point, typically 4-6 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,614 ft to 7,395 ft over 64.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 18.5 mi · 29%
  • Downhill 25.4 mi · 40%
  • Flat 20.4 mi · 32%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Shawangunk Ridge Trail?

32 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Shawangunk Ridge Trail scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Shawangunk Ridge Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Shawangunk Ridge Trail in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 64.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail?

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail climbs roughly 9,724 ft total — about 150 ft per mile, topping out near 2,257 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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